Crossword Genius

Prepare anaesthetic for five? (5,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prime number

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'five?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both quantities as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'prepare anaesthetic' is the wordplay.
'prepare' becomes 'prime' (to prime is to prepare or make ready).
'anaesthetic' becomes 'number' (i.e. something that makes things numb).
'prime'+'number'='PRIME NUMBER'

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for prime number that I've seen before include "Integer divisible only by itself and by 1" , "One such as 3, 5, 7, 11, etc" , "One providing amusement" , "2 or 3 -- but not 4" , "One with no divisors" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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